Filing fees, attorney fees, credit counseling — a realistic breakdown and your options if you can't pay upfront.
The cost of bankruptcy is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — concerns for people considering filing. The short answer: bankruptcy costs less than most people expect, and there are legitimate options for handling the cost even if you can't pay upfront.
Filing fees and administrative costs are set by federal law and don't vary by firm. Attorney fees do vary, but reputable firms quote flat fees upfront so you know the total cost before you commit. The biggest factor in total cost is which chapter you file — see Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 for why.
Every case includes the same four cost components. Your attorney provides a written quote before you file.
Set by federal law and identical at every firm: currently $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Some filers qualify to waive or pay these in installments.
The largest line item, and the one that varies. Chapter 7 attorney fees typically run $1,000–$2,500 for routine cases depending on your area; Chapter 13 fees are higher but often rolled into the monthly plan payments.
Two required courses — one before filing and one after — run $15–$50 each from approved providers. Most are online and take about an hour. Some providers offer fee waivers based on income.
Your attorney pulls a credit report to list all your creditors on the petition. This runs $40–$60 and is included in most firms' flat fee quotes. Ask specifically whether it's included.
If paying upfront feels impossible, you have real options. Chapter 13 attorney fees can be paid through the monthly plan rather than before filing — you pay a small retainer to start and the rest stretches across the plan. Court filing fees can be paid in installments after filing, and some filers qualify for a full waiver of the filing fee based on income.
Before filing, many people pause new payments to unsecured creditors (credit cards, medical bills) while they save for attorney fees. This is legal and common, but talk to an attorney first — some moves in the weeks before filing can complicate your case. Our initial call covers this specifically, with no obligation.
Whatever you do, avoid pulling from protected accounts — retirement accounts are generally protected in bankruptcy, but withdrawals made to pay pre-bankruptcy bills aren't recoverable.
Routine cases are typically quoted at a flat fee that's standard for the market, not individually negotiated. Complex cases (significant assets, business debts, adversary proceedings) cost more, and the attorney will explain why during the consultation.
If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline and you can't pay in installments, you can apply for a waiver with your Chapter 7 petition. Chapter 13 filing fees can generally only be paid in installments, not waived.
Chapter 7 generally requires attorney fees paid before filing, because fees owed to your attorney before filing would otherwise be discharged along with your other debts. Chapter 13 lets attorney fees be paid through the plan, so you pay a smaller retainer and the rest is absorbed into monthly payments.
A routine Chapter 7 typically totals $1,500–$3,000 (all fees combined), with higher costs in major metros. A routine Chapter 13 is higher — often $3,500–$6,000 — but spread across the plan. Your attorney will quote an exact number during the no-obligation consultation.
Call for a no-obligation consultation and a written estimate of every cost in your case. No surprises.